Core muscle training apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A core muscle training apparatus and method is described. The apparatus comprises a harness that is worn by the user, to which a pair of resistance leads are connected at opposing sides of the user&#39;s waist approximately above the hips. A resistance force is applied through the resistance leads against an effort force exerted by the user in order to stimulate recruitment and activation of the targeted muscles. By adjusting the direction and the amount of resistance force applied to the resistance leads, the demand on the muscles being targeted can be controlled. The core muscle training apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure further offers versatility in the environment in which it can be used. The apparatus can be used, for example, when the user is in a static position or can be used during dynamic functional movements.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/677,640 filed Apr. 2, 2015 entitled CoreMuscle Training Apparatus And Method, which claims priority to CanadianPatent Application Serial No. 2,851,453, filed May 9, 2014 entitled CoreMuscle Training Apparatus And Method; both of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of exercise and trainingsystems and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for core muscletraining essential for full body training and improvement in overallbody movement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The “core muscles” are a group of muscles that run the length of thetrunk and torso to stabilize the spine, pelvis, and shoulder girdle. Themuscles are found in the oblique and abdominal regions, lower back, andthe gluteus muscle region. Together these muscles provide a solidfoundation for supporting proper body alignment or posture, enablepowerful movements of the extremities, help in the control of movements,the transfer of energy, the shift in body weight and the ability to movein any direction. Thus, the benefits of strengthening the core areimportant for full body training and improvement in body movement fordeveloping both functional fitness essential to daily living and regularactivities, as well as for developing high level athletic performance.

Strength, power, speed, quickness, agility, and coordination arecritical for performance in almost all sports and activities, and alldepend from the core muscles of the body. It is the core muscles of thebody that connect all movements of the upper and lower body. Powerfuland efficient movements of the extremities require a transfer of forcethrough the body to achieve maximum acceleration of an appendage. Thistransfer of force is often a function of how well the upper and lowerbody are connected. By strengthening the core muscles, therefore, asolid unit is created that is capable of developing and transferringforces from the legs through the trunk to the arms. The sum of theseintegrated forces results in optimal acceleration. This is known as thekinetic-link or kinetic-chain principle. A few major sports in whichthis transfer of forces is particularly critical include baseball, golf,basketball, hockey, football, and tennis.

For these reasons, exercise and training for the whole body has focusedon developing and maintaining strong core muscles. Such corestrengthening exercises have been developed and are based on achievingrecruitment and activation of core muscle function. Typically, suchexercises are static and involve techniques that include perturbationtraining and neuromuscular facilitation to activate and integrate coremuscle control, movement, and stability. For example, the use ofresistance bands, medicine balls and balance boards have been used totarget and isolate specific core muscle groups.

Exercise apparatus have also been described for targeting the coremuscles. For example, United States Patent Publication No. 2013/0095987describes an exercise apparatus that combines strength training and acore workout into one exercise module. The apparatus is described ascontaining a compressible member consisting of a durable exterior shellwith an interior containing a liquid gel or gas. The volume and/orpressure inside the compressible member containing the liquid or gel maybe changed to allow for varying levels of stability while performingexercises. When the apparatus is in use during exercise, or when thecompressible member is worn by the exercising person, the compressiblemember causes physical instability during performance of aresistance-based exercise that requires the exercising person to use thecore muscles to maintain balance and proper form. The apparatus,however, focuses on the muscles in the abdomen, back, and buttocks anddoes not stimulate rotational demand, thereby neglecting recruitment ofthe transversus abdominus and oblique muscles of the core. Accordingly,the apparatus does not offer multidirectional stimulation in particularin the rotational plane.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,833,140 describes a core resistance apparatus thatcomprises resistance cords that are secured to the user's wrists andthighs, for example, to provide a linear resistance force between twoconnections on the user. When the user moves or rotates, the movementgenerated by an extremity will produce an immediate force on theopposite extremity that increases recruitment and contraction of all theintrinsic core muscles, making the lower and upper extremities connectedunder resistance forces. Controlled resistance in stabilizing themovement from the opposite limb reinforces the muscle recruitment in thecore muscles and also assists in maintaining a balance and a steadycenter of gravity. While the described resistance apparatus does offerstimulation of the rotational plane, the apparatus is cumbersome to useand cannot easily be adapted for use in dynamic functional movements orsport specific exercises.

This background information is provided for the purpose of making knowninformation believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to thepresent invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should beconstrued, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior artagainst the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments pertaining to a core muscletraining apparatus and method. In accordance with one aspect of thedisclosure, there is described a core muscle training apparatus,comprising: a harness to be worn by a user, the harness adapted to befittingly secured around the user's midsection; and a pair of resistanceleads comprising a first end, each first end of the pair attachable tothe harness at opposing sides of the user's midsection, the resistanceleads adapted at a second end for effecting a resistance force againstan effort force exerted by the user; wherein when the resistance forceis applied through the resistance leads recruitment and activation ofcore muscles is stimulated.

In accordance with another aspect, there is described a core muscletraining apparatus, comprising: a harness to be worn by a user, theharness adapted to be fittingly secured around the user's midsection;webbing on the exterior surface of the harness for securing the harnessaround the midsection of the user; at least one pair of connectorsfastened to the webbing on the exterior surface of the harness; and apair of resistance leads comprising a first end, each first end of thepair attachable to the at least one pair of connectors on the exteriorsurface of the harness such that the pair of resistance leads is securedto the harness at opposing sides of the user's midsection, theresistance leads adapted at a second end for effecting a resistanceforce against an effort force exerted by the user; wherein when theresistance force is applied through the resistance leads recruitment andactivation of core muscles is stimulated.

In accordance with another aspect, there is described a core muscletraining system comprising: the apparatus according to embodimentsdescribed in the present disclosure; and interchangeable pairs ofresistance leads having differing resistancy tensions; wherein each pairof resistance leads can be interchanged to vary the resistance forcebeing applied to the user.

In accordance with another aspect, there is described a method for coremuscle training comprising: providing the apparatus according toembodiments described in the present disclosure, wherein the harness isworn by the user and the second end of the pair of resistance leads isheld by a training partner; and applying a resistance force to the pairof resistance leads to stimulate recruitment and activation of coremuscles; wherein the direction that the resistance force is applied isadjusted by the positioning of the resistance leads relative to theuser.

In accordance with another aspect, there is described a method for coremuscle training comprising: providing the apparatus according toembodiments described in the present disclosure, wherein the harness isworn by the user and the second end of the pair of resistance leads isfixed to a stationary fixture; and applying an effort force to the pairof resistance leads to stimulate recruitment and activation of coremuscles; wherein the direction that the effort force is applied isadjusted by the positioning of the user relative to the fixed resistanceleads.

In accordance with a further aspect, methods according to embodimentsdescribed in the present disclosure can be used during staticpositioning of the user as well as during dynamic functional movement ofthe user. In accordance with another aspect, the methods according toembodiments described in the present disclosure can be used during sportspecific dynamic functional movement of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent inthe following detailed description in which reference is made to theappended drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective View of the apparatus illustrating the outersurface of the harness having Velcro securing means, according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective View of the apparatus illustrating the outersurface of the harness having a buckle clip securing means, according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective View of the apparatus illustrating the outersurface of the harness displaying multiple connectors, according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective View of the apparatus according to embodimentsof the present disclosure in which the harness is configured as a vest;

FIG. 5 is a perspective View of the apparatus secured to the midsectionof a user in a static position, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective View of the apparatus secured to the midsectionof a user during dynamic functional movement, according to embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective View illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 5adapted for use with a training partner, according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective View illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 5adapted for stationary use;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the apparatus, according to embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the apparatus, according to embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 9A in anopened position (10A), according to the embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 9B in anopened position (10B), according to the embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the corresponding end of the apparatusshown in FIG. 9A, configured for securing the harness around the user'sbody, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the corresponding end of the apparatusshown in FIG. 9B, configured for securing the harness around the user'sbody, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the apparatus, according to furtherembodiments of the present disclosure wherein FIG. 12A is a perspectiveview of the exterior surface of the apparatus;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the interior surface of the apparatus;

FIG. 12C is an isolated view of the closure mechanism according tocertain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12D is a side view of the ‘bullet holes’ type closure mechanismshown in FIG. 12C, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12E is a perspective view of the ‘bullet holes’ type closuremechanism shown in FIG. 12C, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a grid for an exercise programfor the apparatus, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to an approximately +/−10%variation from a given value. It is to be understood that such avariation is always included in any given value provided herein, whetheror not it is specifically referred to.

The core muscle training apparatus according to the present disclosureis based on the concept of stimulating core muscles in a targetedmanner. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, theapparatus allows resistance to be controllably applied to the user'smovements. By controlling the resistance tension, embodiments of thepresent disclosure allow a targeted workload to be added to the coremuscles or alternatively facilitate optimal movement of the user. Forexample, by reducing the resistance tension being applied at specificmoments of a movement pattern, preferential recruitment and timing ofcore muscles is enhanced by facilitating optimal movement of the user.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatuscomprises a harness that is worn by the user, to which a pair ofresistance leads are connected at opposing sides of the user's waistapproximately above the hips. A resistance force is applied through theresistance leads against an effort force exerted by the user in order tostimulate recruitment and activation of the targeted muscles.

The design of the apparatus allows stimulation of the core muscles inall planes, including horizontal, vertical, lateral, and rotationalplanes. The direction that the resistance force is applied willdetermine which muscles are being stimulated. According to certainembodiments, the direction of the resistance force can be controlled bythe positioning of the resistance leads relative to the user. Forexample, when resistance is applied in a rotational plane, the apparatusstimulates a rotational demand that preferentially recruits thetransversus abdominus muscles of the core. In this way, the apparatus ofthe present disclosure permits stimulation of the core muscles in atargeted and timed manner. Similarly, by adjusting the amount ofresistance force applied to the resistance leads will adjust the demandon the muscles being targeted and the intensity of the exercise. Theapparatus, therefore, allows the intensity of the stimulation to beadjusted to the needs of the user.

The combination of the harness and the placement of the resistance leadsat each side of the user's body, allows the application of a resistanceforce to be distributed across the midsection of the user; in this way,minimizing the tendency of the user's body to hinge when a resistanceforce is applied. Instead, the distribution of the resistance forceacross the midsection of the user ensures that the upper and lowerportions of the user's body remain connected and correct body posture ismaintained throughout an exercise. By maintaining this connection, amultidirectional demand on the core muscles is created to specificallystimulate recruitment and activation of core muscle function.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of theresistance leads about the user's midsection can be adjusted as desired.For example, it may be desired to position the leads at the front andback of the user's body instead of at opposing sides of the user's body.In this way, the direction that the resistance force is applied can bevaried. In such embodiments, the harness may be adapted with multipleconnectors to allow attachment of the resistance leads at variouslocations about the user's body. According to other embodiments, theharness can simply be slidingly rotated around the user's midsection toadjust the location of the resistance leads relative to the user's body.

The core muscle training apparatus according to the present disclosurefurther offers versatility in the environment in which it can be used.The apparatus can be used, for example, when the user is in a staticposition. Due to its unencumbered design, however, the apparatus canalso be used during dynamic functional movements. In addition, accordingto certain embodiments, the apparatus can be used during dynamic sportspecific activities, for example and without limitation, activitiesrelated to basketball, hockey, soccer, golf, and tennis. As well,according to other embodiments, the apparatus can be used during danceand martial arts training for example. Thus, the apparatus according tothe present disclosure can be applied to a wide-ranging variety oftraining programs that can include rehabilitative therapy, generalfitness programs, intensive athletic training, and even dynamicperforming arts training.

Apparatus

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals identifyidentical or substantially similar parts throughout the several Views,FIGS. 1 t0 4, and 9 to 12, illustrate perspective Views of the apparatus1, 100, 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Theapparatus 1, 100, 200 comprises a harness 5, 110, 205 to be worn by auser. The harness 5, 110, 205 is adapted to be fittingly secured aroundthe user's midsection and can take a variety of forms to adapt to theuser's comfort. For example, according to certain embodiments theharness can take the form of a belt 5, 205 to be securely fastenedaround the user's midsection (FIGS. 1 t0 3, and 9 to 12). In otherembodiments, the harness can take the form of a vest 110 (FIG. 4).

The harness 5, 110, 205 is made of a resilient, body-forming material toensure that the harness 5, 110, 205 conforms to the shape of the user'sbody while having sufficient resiliency to withstand the resistanceforces applied when in use. The harness 5, 110, 205 is furtherconfigured to maintain position on the user's body when in use such thatthe harness 5, 110, 205 does not shift around the user's body whenresistance force is applied. Accordingly, in some embodiments, theharness 5, 110, 205 is made from materials that have a frictioncoefficient that is sufficient to minimize slippage around the user'sbody. Such materials are known in the art, and generally include fabricsthat comprise elastomeric fibres such as neoprene, spandex, Lycra™, andcombinations thereof. According to certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure, non-slippage material can be applied to such elastomericfabrics to further minimize slippage or movement of the apparatus aroundthe user's midsection. According to such embodiments, silicone can beapplied to the inner surface of the harness to minimize slippage.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the harness cancomprise multiple panels that are attached together to form the completebody conforming harness (FIGS. 10A and 10B). According to otherembodiments, the harness 205 can comprise a unitary piece that is shapedto conform to a user's body (FIGS. 12A and 12B). Utilizing a unitaryharness 205 can, according to certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure, minimize weakening of the harness material.

Securing means on the harness 5, 110, 205 ensures that the harness 5,110, 205 can be fittingly secured into position around the user'smidsection. The securing means can be adjustable to allow the harness 5,110, 205 to be sized to fit the particular user. In certain embodiments,as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 9 to 12, the securing means comprisewebbing 15, 220 that can be fastened by various fasteners 20, 275 knownin the art, including for example Velcro 20, 222 (as shown in FIGS. 1and 12), and buckle clips 22 (as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4). Accordingto further embodiments (as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B), the harness 5comprises Velcro extensions 55 at its ends that allow the harness to bewrapped around the user's torso and secured into place. According tocertain embodiments, the harness 5 can include various combinations ofsuch securing means. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, theapparatus 1 can include a combination of Velcro extensions 55 inaddition to webbing that is fastened overtop. In further embodiments,the securing means can also include an additional fastening belt 60 foradded security. According to other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12A,12C, and 12D, the securing means can be simplified to a hook—typefastener 275 attached at one end of the webbing 220 for insertion into acorresponding ‘bullet hole’ 250 that is stitched at predetermineddistances apart in the cooperating end of the webbing 220 to fasten theharness 205 at the desired sizing in a hook-like manner. According tocertain embodiments, the apparatus can comprise a combination of ahook-type fastener and a Velcro fastening means (FIG. 12B).

According to certain embodiments, the webbing 15 comprises one or morestraps fixed to the exterior of the harness 5 to provide structuralsupport to the harness 5. According to such embodiments, the webbingstraps 15 comprise material that is less elastic than the harness 5, forexample woven cotton or nylon, to provide the structural support. Thewebbing 15 can be fixedly applied to the harness 5 in any number ofconfigurations that provide structural support to the harness 5. Forexample, as shown in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, thewebbing 15 can be fixedly applied horizontally across the length of theharness 5. In other embodiments, for example as shown in the embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the webbing 15 can be fixedly appliedvertically at various points along the surface of the harness 5 toprovide structural support. In further embodiments, the webbing 15 canbe fixedly applied in a combination of vertical and horizontalpositions. According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure,as illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the amount of webbing 230 can beminimized and attached to the harness 205 on the inside surface in orderto minimize weakening of the harness material. In such embodiments, theamount of stitching 260, for example, used to attach the webbing 230 tothe harness 205 can further be minimized to strategically positionedlocations on the harness 205 to further minimize weakening of theharness material.

At least one pair of connectors 25, 225 are disposed on the exteriorsurface of the harness 5, 110, 205 to allow attachment of a pair ofresistance leads 30. As shown in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1and 3, 10A and 10B, and 12A, the connectors 25, 225 are fastened to thewebbing straps 15, 220 which provide the structural support required inorder to ensure that the connectors 25, 225 remain secured to theharness 5, 110, 205 under the resistance forces applied during use. Thepair of connectors 25, 225 are located on the exterior surface of theharness 5, 110, 205 to allow a pair of resistance leads 30 to beattached to the harness 5, 110, 205 at opposing sides of the user'smidsection at about the user's waist. According to certain embodiments(FIGS. 1 and 9 to 12), the harness 5, 110, 205 can include one pair ofconnectors 25, 225. As shown in FIG. 3, other embodiments can includemultiple pairs of connectors 25 disposed on the exterior surface of theharness 5, whereby multiple points of attachment are available forattachment of the resistance leads 30. In this way, different users canbe accommodated by a single apparatus 1.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pair of resistance leads 30 are adaptedat a first end for attachment to the respective connectors 25. Eachresistance lead 30 can simply be looped through or tied to therespective connector 25 or, in other embodiments, the ends of theresistance leads 30 can be adapted with releasable couplers such asspring gate clips, lobster clips, caribiners, or any quick-release typecoupler, for example, to allow releasable attachment to the respectiveconnectors 25. The opposite end of the resistance leads 30 remains freeand can be adapted for effecting a resistance force against an effortforce exerted by the user 45. According to certain embodiments, forexample, the free ends of the resistance leads 30 can be adapted tofacilitate grasping by a training partner 50 to apply the resistanceforce to the user 45 wearing the harness 5. For example, the free endscan form a loop (as shown in FIG. 7) or can be fitted with handles tofacilitate handling by the training partner 50. In other embodiments,the free ends of the resistance leads 30 can be adapted for fixing to astationary fixture, such as a wall or a door, wherein the resistanceforce is effected by the user's effort force exerted against thestationary fixture (FIG. 8). In such embodiments, the apparatus 1 can beadapted to be used by a sole user without the assistance of a trainingpartner 50.

The resistance leads 30 provide resistance force against the user'seffort and comprise resistance material, for example resistance tubing,typically made from latex rubber. According to other embodiments of thepresent disclosure, the resistance leads can be made from silicone. Theresistance leads 30 can be provided in various modes of resistance(e.g., tensile strength) depending on the desired intensity ofresistance. According to some embodiments, the resistance leads 30provide sufficient resiliency, which when actuated, can effect Vibratoryperturbations to the user and in this way offer further stimulatorybenefit to the user at the neuromuscular level, for example.

The resistance leads 30 can further be provided in various lengthsdepending on the particular fitness program desired. According toembodiments of the present disclosure, particularly embodiments for usewith a training partner, the resistance leads 30 are long enough toprovide sufficient distance between the training partner and the user toprovide the user with a wide range of unhindered movement. In this way,the apparatus 1 can be used during dynamic functional movement as wellas during sport specific activities. In other embodiments, a shorterlength of resistance leads 30 can be used to facilitate use duringstatic positions or during solo use without a training partner, forexample. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, theresistance leads 30 are between about 0.5 to about 3 meters in length.In other embodiments, the resistance leads 30 are between about 1 toabout 3 meters in length. In further embodiments, the resistance leads30 are between about 2 to about 3 meters in length.

System

According to certain embodiments, the apparatus 1 can be provided as asystem that can be tailored to the needs of the user. In particular, thesystem can comprise the apparatus 1 as interchangeable accessories thatcan be assembled as desired. In such embodiments, the system can includevarious combinations of the harness 5, and interchangeable pairs ofresistance leads 30 having differing resistance tensions, and/orlengths, wherein each pair of resistance leads 30 can be interchanged tovary the resistance force being applied to the user as well as to adaptto the particular activity or training program engaged. In otherembodiments, the system can also include interchangeable attachments foradapting the free ends of the resistance leads 30 with handles, for usewith a training partner, or with attachments for fixing to a stationaryfixture for independent use by the user.

Method of Operation—Targeted Muscle Stimulation

Whether used with a training partner or independently by the user,operation of the apparatus 1 of the present disclosure follows the sameprinciples. Accordingly, reference will be made to FIG. 7 without beinglimited to this particular embodiment. As illustrated, the harness 5 issecured around the midsection of the user 45 and the free ends of theresistance leads 30 are held by the training partner 50. Resistanceforce is applied or released by the training partner 50 by positioningthe resistance leads 30 relative to the user 45 and applying or reducinga desired level of resistance to the user's 45 movement. Specifically,the positioning of the resistance leads 30 relative to the user 45determines the direction that the resistance force is applied to theuser 45. For example, by raising the position of the free ends of theresistance leads 30 a more vertical resistance force will be applied tothe user 45. By lowering the position of the free ends of the resistanceleads 30 a more horizontal resistance force will result. A lateral forcecan simultaneously be applied by pulling on one of the free ends at atime to generate a rotational demand that stimulates preferentialrecruitment of the transversus abdominus muscles of the core. In thisway, the apparatus 1 of the present disclosure permits controlledstimulation of the core muscles in a targeted manner that is responsiveto the user's movements. Similarly, by adjusting the amount ofresistance force applied to the resistance leads 30 will adjust thedemand on the muscles being targeted and the intensity of the exercise.Releasing or reducing the resistance force at specific moments of amovement pattern further facilitates optimal movement of the user. Inthis way, the apparatus 1, allows the intensity, timing, and directionof the stimulation to be adjusted to the needs of the user 45.

According to certain embodiments, the position of the resistance leads30 can be changed to further vary the type and direction of resistanceforce applied to the user. For example, both resistance leads 30 can beattached to a connector 25 on one side of the user's body to target theresistance force to specific areas of the user's body. In otherembodiments, the position of the user relative to the trainer and/orstationary fixture, as well as the type of exercise or movement beingengaged by the user can vary the type and direction of resistance forcebeing applied. In this way, it is contemplated that the apparatus 1 ofthe present disclosure can be used with various exercise programs thatcan be specially developed depending on the user's needs andpreferences.

The apparatus 1 of the present disclosure also offers flexibility in theenvironment in which it can be used. According to certain embodiments,the apparatus 1 can be used when the user 45 is in a static position(FIG. 5). For example, the user 45 can be positioned in an athleticneutral position and a resistance force applied by the training partner50. To maintain balance against the resistance force, muscle recruitmentin the user's core muscles are stimulated in a targeted manner. In otherembodiments, the apparatus 1 can be adapted for use during dynamicfunctional movements (FIGS. 6 and 7). Specifically, the design of theapparatus 1 offers the user 45 a wide range of movement that allows theuser 45 to freely move while resistance force is applied. As illustratedin FIG. 7, the resistance leads 30 provide sufficient distance betweenthe training partner 50 and the user 45 to allow unhindered dynamicfunctional movements. In addition, according to certain embodiments, theapparatus 1 can be used during dynamic sport specific activities, forexample and without limitation, activities related to basketball,hockey, soccer, golf, and tennis. As well, embodiments of the presentdisclosure, can be used during dynamic performance arts trainingincluding, for example, various forms of dance (break dancing, ball roomdancing, creative/modern dancing), martial arts, etc.

Uses

The versatility afforded by the apparatus 1 of the present disclosureallows it to be used in a wide-ranging variety of training programs thatcan include rehabilitative therapy, general fitness programs, movementtherapy, intensive athletic training, and dynamic performance artstraining. In particular, the ability to adapt the apparatus 1 for useduring both stationary as well as a variety of dynamic activities allowstraining curriculum to be developed that incorporates the apparatus 1.For example, application of the apparatus 1 in specialized programs,such as progressive training programs and sport specific trainingprograms, is contemplated. As well, incorporation of the apparatus 1 inhome-gym or gym fitness programs is further contemplated. Moreover, theversatility of the apparatus 1 to be used during sport specificactivities offers core training that is customizable to a particularsport.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed herein can beimplemented with respect to any method or composition of the invention,and Vice versa. Furthermore, compositions and kits of the invention canbe used to achieve methods of the invention.

To gain a better understanding of the invention described herein, thefollowing examples are set forth. It will be understood that theseexamples are intended to describe illustrative embodiments of theinvention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention inany way.

EXAMPLES Example 1 User—Specific Stationary Core Training Program

The apparatus of the present disclosure is adaptable for use in avariety of personal training programs that are designed to address thelifestyle and physical training requirements of the user. As illustratedin FIG. 8, the apparatus can be adapted for stationary use wherein theuser wears the harness and fixes the free ends to a stationary fixture,such as a wall or door. In such applications, the force applied to theuser's core is determined by the position of the user relative to thefixed ends, the effort force exerted by the user, and the type ofexercise engaged in by the user.

The user is directed through a personalized exercise routine thatincludes an exercise grid (as shown in FIG. 13) corresponding to theexercise floor plan. The user is directed through each of the quadrantsof the grid where the user will perform exercises specifically designedto target the desired areas of the core muscles.

The particular exercises, repititions, user positioning relative to thefixed ends (indicated by “X” in FIG. 13) and the quadrant of the grid,as well as the positioning of the resistance leads on the harness, areall variables controlled by the user, in accordance with the designedexercise program, to achieve the desired core training.

The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, publications anddatabase entries referenced in this specification are herebyspecifically incorporated by reference in their entirety to the sameextent as if each such individual patent, patent application,publication and database entry were specifically and individuallyindicated to be incorporated by reference.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certainspecific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. All such modifications as would be apparent to oneskilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A core muscle training apparatus, comprising: aharness to be worn by a user, the harness adapted to be fittinglysecured around the user's midsection; and a pair of resistance leadscomprising a first end, each first end of the pair attachable to theharness at opposing sides of the user's midsection, the resistance leadsadapted at a second end for effecting a resistance force against aneffort force exerted by the user; wherein when the resistance force isapplied through the resistance leads recruitment and activation of coremuscles is stimulated.
 2. The core muscle training apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the harness is a belt.
 3. The core muscle trainingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the harness is a vest.
 4. Thecore muscle training apparatus according to claim 1, further comprisingat least one pair of connectors disposed on the exterior surface of theharness for attaching the pair of resistance leads to the harness. 5.The core muscle training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theharness comprises multiple pairs of connectors disposed on the exteriorsurface of the harness, whereby multiple points of attachment areavailable for attachment of the resistance leads.
 6. The core muscletraining apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising webbing onthe interior or exterior surface of the harness for providing structuralsupport to the harness.
 7. The core muscle training apparatus accordingto claim 4, further comprising webbing on the exterior surface of theharness, wherein the connectors are fastened to the webbing on theexterior surface of the harness.
 8. The core muscle training apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the harness comprises elastomeric fibresselected from the group consisting of neoprene, spandex, Lycra™, andcombinations thereof.
 9. The core muscle training apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the second end of the pair of resistance leads isadapted to be grasped by a training partner to apply the resistanceforce to the user wearing the harness.
 10. The core muscle trainingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the pair ofresistance leads is adapted for fixing to a stationary fixture, whereinthe resistance force is effected by the user's effort force exertedagainst the stationary fixture.
 11. A core muscle training apparatus,comprising: a harness to be worn by a user, the harness adapted to befittingly secured around the user's midsection; webbing on the exteriorand/or interior surface of the harness for providing structural supportto the harness; at least one pair of connectors fastened to webbing onthe exterior surface of the harness; and a pair of resistance leadscomprising a first end, each first end of the pair attachable to the atleast one pair of connectors on the exterior surface of the harness suchthat the pair of resistance leads is secured to the harness at opposingsides of the user's midsection, the resistance leads adapted at a secondend for effecting a resistance force against an effort force exerted bythe user; wherein when the resistance force is applied through theresistance leads recruitment and activation of core muscles isstimulated.
 12. The core muscle training apparatus according to claim11, wherein the harness is a belt.
 13. The core muscle trainingapparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second end of the pair ofresistance leads is adapted to be grasped by a training partner to applythe resistance force to the user wearing the harness.
 14. A core muscletraining system comprising: the apparatus according to claim 1; andinterchangeable pairs of resistance leads having differing resistancetensions; wherein each pair of resistance leads can be interchanged tovary the resistance force being applied to the user.
 15. A method forcore muscle training comprising: providing the apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the harness is worn by the user and the second end ofthe pair of resistance leads is held by the training partner; andapplying a resistance force to the pair of resistance leads to stimulaterecruitment and activation of core muscles; wherein the direction thatthe resistance force is applied is adjusted by the positioning of theresistance leads relative to the user.
 16. The method according to claim15, wherein the resistance force is applied in the horizontal, vertical,lateral, or rotational plane to stimulate the core muscles in a targetedmanner.
 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the resistanceforce is applied during static positioning of the user.
 18. The methodaccording to claim 15, wherein the resistance force is applied duringdynamic functional movement of the user.
 19. The method according toclaim 18, wherein the dynamic functional movement is a sport specificactivity.
 20. A method for core muscle training comprising: providingthe apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the harness is worn by theuser and the second end of the pair of resistance leads is fixed to astationary fixture; and applying an effort force to the pair ofresistance leads to stimulate recruitment and activation of coremuscles; wherein the direction that the effort force is applied isadjusted by the positioning of the user relative to the fixed resistanceleads.